Staying put

The amount of support you are entitled to depends on your care leaver status. Check your rights on the GOV.UK support for care leavers website. 

Staying put is a decision you must make with your foster carer.

When this is possible

To be eligible to stay put, you must have been in care for at least 13 weeks before you turn 18-years-old. You can stay put even if:

• You are not in education or training
• You live with foster carers that work for an agency

It might not be possible if:

• You live in a residential unit or supported lodgings
• Your foster carer does not want you to continue living with them. This could be because they want to foster younger children.
• Your social worker does not think it is best for you. This is rare. Your social worker will explain why to you and your carers.

How staying put is different to foster care

Staying put is an agreement between you and your foster carer. Your social worker will help you and your carer write a living together agreement. This might cover:

• Will the carer go into your room?
• Do you need to let your carer know where you are going?
• If you decide to stay out overnight do you need to let them know. How and when should you do this?
• Will you have a key to the house? If not why not? What needs to be agreed for this to happen?
• If your carer goes away for a few days will you be allowed to stay in the house?
• What household jobs will you be expected to do? For example, shopping, cooking, cleaning and laundry

What we must do

What we have to do to make sure staying put is right for you as a care leaver:

• Provide the right support and advice:
  • So that you understand what staying put is
  • Have enough information to make the right decision for you
• Provide the right support and training to your foster carer. This is so that they can offer good quality staying put arrangements. They must:
  • Understand what skills you need to be independent
  • Understand how to support young adults
  • Help you learn all of the skills you will need for a successful independent adulthood

Considerations

If you would like to 'stay put' and continue to live with your foster carer at age 18, you should consider:

• If you are not working you will need to claim benefits for housing. This will include Housing Benefit that you will pay directly to your carer.
• You will be responsible for buying everything for yourself. You must pay for your own travel and any social activities.
• If your carer fosters younger children, you will need a DBS criminal records check. If you have committed serious offences you might not be able to stay. We will discuss this in your earliest reviews.
• If your carer continues to foster, there may be extra rules added to your living agreement
• You will be expected to learn and use the skills you will need when you do move out. For example, budgeting, DIY, cleaning and cooking.

When staying put will be discussed

We will discuss staying put when you are 16-years-old, as part of your pathway plan. We will ask you again at all reviews until you turn 18-years-old. It is really important that your plans to stay are in your pathway plan.  

If your social worker does not think staying put is best for you, you can challenge the decision. We can make sure you have advocate support.